Charming humanities female students in traditional Japanese yukata.

This is a practical component of the "Japanese Customs and Society" course in the Bachelor of Japanese Studies program. Following theoretical lessons on the history and evolution of traditional Japanese clothing, organizing a yukata-wearing competition and experimenting with different obi knotting techniques helps students become more enthusiastic about the subject and quickly grasp the necessary skills.

During the experience of wearing traditional Japanese Yukata, USSH students were introduced to basic obi tying techniques by Ms. Phan Hai Linh and received direct guidance on how to wear a yukata "correctly according to Japanese standards".

A yukata is a traditional Japanese garment made from coarse fabrics such as cotton or jute, suitable for the summer climate and active participation in folk festivals.

Today, yukata are still commonly worn by Japanese people during summer fireworks festivals, travel, and group activities. The female students of USSH demonstrated their skill in combining the vibrant colors of the yukata patterns with the graceful and striking lines of the obi belt.

Yukata are often worn with zori (strawberry) sandals or geta (wooden clogs). Geta are made of lacquered or unpainted wood, with a sole made of two horizontal wooden slats and a toe-loop fabric strap (hanao). Matching the color of the sandals or clogs to the color of the yukata reflects the wearer's personality or their charming, cute, kawaii (cute) style.

The obi is a sash that secures the shape of a yukata and is a crucial accent. Obi are woven from silk or stretchy materials, often featuring prominent embroidery. Obi can be reversible and come in contrasting colors. Nowadays, in today's busy modern life, using pre-tied obi is quite common. Therefore, those skilled in tying obi using traditional methods are highly valued by the Japanese. Female students at USSH enthusiastically participated in this challenge, showcasing their exceptional skill, meticulousness, dexterity, and refined aesthetic sense.

Vu Thi Xuan Thu, a K62 student majoring in Japanese Studies, shared: “These are invaluable experiences for us and a distinguishing feature of the Japanese Studies program at USSH. Besides yukata, we also participate in the Urasenke USSH tea ceremony club, experiencing many other traditional cultural forms such as calligraphy and flower arrangement… These valuable knowledge and skills will help us empathize with and quickly adapt to a Japanese-style work environment in the future.”

The traditional costume experience provided Japanese Studies students with a wealth of useful and interesting knowledge!